The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi revealed that the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the emirate produced about 1,571 tons during the year 2022, with a value of 47.7 million dirhams, and also provided direct job opportunities for about 1,556 people, noting that more than 100 species of fish were caught by fishermen. These fish belong to more than 35 fish families, while the change in the composition of farmed species led to an increase in the average first sale price by one and a half times the value of the previous year.
The Authority explained, in the Fisheries Statistics Bulletin 2022, which it issued a few days ago, that the total production of fisheries alone amounted to about 1,223 tons, with a total value of 18.8 million dirhams. On the other hand, the fisheries and aquaculture sector produced 347.5 tons with a total value of 28.8 million dirhams, representing 22% of seafood production in the emirate, noting that the Abu Dhabi and Al Sadr regions received more than two-thirds of the fishing production, while the Abu Dhabi region alone contributed more than From half the production.
She stated that the number of fishing boats operating in Abu Dhabi waters reached 351 licensed commercial fishing boats, with the fishing fleet consisting mainly of corvettes and a small number of operating launches. The fishing fleets carried out about 11,971 fishing trips, with 1,416 fishermen working in them, while the number of establishments reached There are six facilities operating for aquaculture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, employing 140 workers, noting that over the past years, the total production of marine species in the emirate has been characterized by a general decline, but the production of aquaculture has contributed to partially alleviating the severity of the decline, and a general decline has also been observed. In aquaculture production during the year 2022 compared to the previous year, which recorded a decrease of 6%.
The authority revealed an increase in the market value of fish, noting that although the total production in the size of the fishery showed a slight decrease, the total price showed a noticeable increase by 36%. This was attributed mainly to the change in the composition of farmed species and the resulting increase in the average first selling price, which showed an increase of one and a half times over its value in 2021, from an average of 20.4 dirhams per kilogram to 30.7 dirhams. The average price of cultured production also increased. Aquaculture compared to fisheries magnifies the contribution of the aquaculture sector to the total value, as aquaculture represents 60% of the total value of production.
The Authority indicated that during the year 2022, commercial fisheries included 40 species, considering the four species: kingfish, grouper, eagle, and Jish Umm al-Hilla, the most important in terms of size and value, as they represented 63% of the total size and 70% of the total value of the crop. Aquaculture production relied on six species, of which caviar and Indian white shrimp were the main species, contributing 30% of the total production.
The authority pointed out that spinning nets and gargoyles, which are high-production fishing equipment, have been banned in recent years, and as a result, the haddag has become the most important production equipment since 2020, as it contributes more than half of the crop in the emirate, and as a result of the haddag targeting high-value species, it has lost This equipment provided 75% of the total crop in value.
The Authority noted a general decline in the number of fishing trips, and no activities or fishing trips for launch boats were recorded during the year 2022, which contributed to a decrease in the total number of fishing trips by 8%, compared to the previous year, and attributed the main motive behind the decrease in the activity of the fishing fleet and the number of fishing trips. Fishing trips to management decisions regarding the use of fishing gear within the framework of a long-term strategy, aimed at enhancing sustainable fish stocks, after noting the decline in stocks of several major commercial species.
“Abu Dhabi Environment”:
• Fishing fleets carried out about 11,971 fishing trips, employing 1,416 fishermen, while the number of establishments operating for aquaculture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reached six establishments, employing 140 workers.
• 351 licensed commercial fishing boats in the emirate.
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